Juz 24: Az-Zumar 32 to Fuṣṣilat 46
Section 10 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
The Story of Pharaoh, Moses, and the Believing Man
The Qur'an frequently relates historical narratives not merely as stories of the past, but as living lessons with enduring relevance. The account of Pharaoh, Moses (peace be upon him), and the believing man from among Pharaoh's people in Surah Ghafir provides profound insights into the dynamics of truth against falsehood and the courage required to stand for justice.
This narrative begins with Allah (swt) mentioning how He sent Moses (peace be upon him) with clear signs:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا وَسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ
“And indeed We sent Mūsā with Our signs and a clear proof.”
The confrontation between truth and falsehood is immediately established as Pharaoh's response to these clear signs was rejection and dismissal:
فَقَالُوا سَاحِرٌ كَذَّابٌ
“But they said, 'A magician, a liar.'”
This pattern of labeling those who bring divine guidance as liars or magicians is one that repeats throughout history when powerful interests feel threatened by truth. The narrative then takes a dramatic turn when Pharaoh's reaction escalates to murderous intent:
وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ
“And Pharaoh said, 'Let me kill Mūsā, and let him call his Lord.'”
Pharaoh attempts to justify this murderous intention by claiming concern that Moses might "change your faith or spread disorder in the land." This manipulation tactic – accusing reformers of causing corruption – has been employed by tyrants throughout history to suppress truth and maintain control.
At this critical juncture, an unexpected voice emerges – a believer from among Pharaoh's own people who had concealed his faith:
وَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ مِّنْ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَكْتُمُ إِيمَانَهُ
“And a believing man from the House of Pharaoh who had kept his faith secret said...”
This hidden believer demonstrates remarkable moral courage by speaking out against the injustice proposed by Pharaoh. His first argument appeals to basic principles of justice:
أَتَقْتُلُونَ رَجُلًا أَن يَقُولَ رَبِّيَ اللَّهُ وَقَدْ جَاءَكُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ
“Would you kill a man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah,' while he has come to you with clear signs from your Lord?”
His logical approach reflects profound wisdom – he points out the irrationality of killing someone merely for their belief, especially when that person has presented clear evidence. He continues with a balanced assessment of risk:
وَإِن يَكُ كَاذِبًا فَعَلَيْهِ كَذِبُهُ وَإِن يَكُ صَادِقًا يُصِبْكُم بَعْضُ الَّذِي يَعِدُكُمْ
“If he is a liar, then, his lie will fall back on himself, and if he is truthful, then some of what he threatens you will afflict you.”